R. Ackermann, 101 Strand.--We are not prepared with any special
particulars as to the foundation of this convivial club; but we
may record a solitary gratuitous observation, that in spite of the
melancholy and frequent carpings, on puritanical grounds, which are
now in fashion, over the growing degeneracy of the times in which we
live--the sanctimonious being given to assert that each succeeding
generation inveterately surpasses the excesses of its predecessors--in
the instances of drinking and gaming our ancestors went to extremes
beside which our modern dissipations, in their wildest excesses, fall
into paltry insignificance. The clubs of the past, in the item of
iniquity, although the institution was in its infancy, surpassed those
of the present day in such a degree that our 'fastest' haunts appear
prudish by comparison.
[Illustration: THE BRILLIANTS.]
As to _The Brilliants_, we do not accept the scene, in its literal
sense, as a faithful transcript of current amusements as practised at
the commencement of the century; but, allowing for the exaggeration
of burlesque, we are far from denying that it is founded on actual
observation, in an age notoriously given to conviviality, which was
carried, in all phases of society, beyond the bounds of discretion,
and, in some instances, to a decree incredible in our times. Their
Royal Highnesses the Princes of the Blood, their Graces the Dukes,
the proverbially drunken Lords, the Right Honourable Ministers of
State, Honourable Members of every political shade, and gallant and
learned gentlemen of the various services and professions, were, with
the rest of the community, without mentioning notorious and personal
instances, under no restraint of decorum in regard to inebriety; and,
if we may trust their own chroniclers, exhibited themselves without
reserve as frequently drunk as sober. If, in our charitable concessions
to the failings of our ancestors, we assume that our artist has
exercised undue licence in the representation of their failings, from
the president of _The Brilliants_ downwards, we must further take 'a
grain of salt' to qualify our belief in the fidelity with which he has
transmitted us the 'club rules.' It is impossible that any convivialist
could continue to be 'brilliant' after his senses were diluted by the
amount of fluid prescribed as a qualification for membership; the light
that was in him must be effectally extinguished by the vinous drenching
that was _de rigueur_:--
'RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN THIS SOCIETY.
'1st. That each member shall fill a half-pint bumper to the first
toast.
'2nd. That after twenty-four bumper toasts are gone round every
member may fill as he pleases.
'3rd. That any member refusing to comply with the above regulations
to be fined, _i.e._ compelled to swallow a bumper of salt and
water.'
_January 15, 1801._ _Undertakers Regaling._ John Nixon, Esq., del.,
Rowlandson sculp. Published by R. Ackermann, 101 Strand.--This large
plate, which is designed with a due appreciation of grim humour and
tipsy jocularity, introduces the traditional relaxations of the funeral
furnishers, whose jollifications are supposed to offer the most ghastly
contrast to their sober professional duties. On a convenient plot of
grass mutes, wandsmen, hearse-drivers, and all the other melancholy
functionaries of the last rites of unconscious humanity, are picnicking
with a true zest and appreciation of rural freedom. A substantial
pie, and other suggestive 'funeral baked meats,' are being disposed
of to the best advantage; but, excellent trenchermen though the
undertakers may prove themselves, their main distinction must rest on
their bibulous qualities; the members of the fraternity are applying
themselves with hearty goodwill to the fluids, far on the road to
becoming 'glorious,' while some of the party have already reached their
congenial stage 'of half seas over.' These festivities, of course, take
place in the vicinity of a 'house of call for funerals,' at the sign
of 'The Owl,' in the neighbourhood of a burial-ground, the hospitable
hostelry being kept by 'Robert Death,' whose inn is a resting-place
for all returning hearses on that particular road. Groups of gentlemen
engaged in the 'black business' are seated at tables, enjoying their
long clay pipes, or otherwise diverting themselves with romping and
horse-play; the members of another party, preparing to resume their
route back to the metropolis, are on the roof of their hearse, their
legs hanging over the side with pastoral-like simplicity, smoking their
'church-wardens' and hobnobbing their pewter quart pots with true
bacchanalian appreciation of the enjoyments of the hour. The results
of too indiscriminate indulgence are noticeable in the dangerous
situation of those coaches which are attempting to 'homeward wend their
melancholy way,' and are being overturned in the process by their tipsy
drivers.
[Illustration: SYMPTOMS OF SANCTITY.]
_January 20, 1801._ _Symptoms of Sanctity._ Published by S. W. Fores,
50 Piccadilly.--This subject--which, to say the least of it, is
suggestively bold, though by no means, in our opinion, coming under the
enumeration of 'risky _equivoque_'--might be fittingly described as
Superstition and Sensuality; the pious belief, amounting to fanaticism,
of the conventual 'Sister' contrasting strongly with the licentious
impiety of the gross priest.
_January 30, 1801._ _Single Combat, in Moorfields, or Magnanimous Paul
O! Challenging All O!_ Published by R. Ackermann, 101 Strand.--The ring
is formed in Moorfields, crowds of spectators are gathered around,
the curious have climbed up every available point of sight, and
observers are scrambling over the roofs. 'Magnanimous Paul O!' the mad
Emperor, is represented as a Russian bear; his sword is tempered 'à la
Suwarrow,' and his shield is inscribed 'Swallow all O!' The British
champion, Pitt, encased in a demi-suit of mail, is jauntily meeting
his adversery; the Minister's sword is tempered 'à la Nelson,' and
the names of his redoubtable admirals, Howe, Duncan, Nelson, Jervis,
and Parker, are the safeguards of his buckler. A Russian general, who
is acting as his master's squire, is reading Paul's extraordinary
cartel: 'Be it known to all men, that my master, the most magnanimous,
most puissant, most powerful, and most wonderful Great Bear of the
North, being in his sound and sober senses, challenges the whole world
to single combat, and commences his first trial of skill here, in
Moorfields, after which it is his intention to pursue his travels, and
visit every Court in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.'
The Emperor Paul, who had acquired almost universal popularity at the
commencement of his reign by putting himself at the head of the allied
armies which were opposing the victorious career of Napoleon, now
astonished his admirers in England by a complete change of policy. He
proclaimed himself Grand Master of Malta, which had been conquered by
us in 1800. The British Government refused to recognise his authority;
the Emperor in revenge laid an embargo upon all British ships in
Russian ports, and succeeded in inducing the Danish, Swedish, and
Prussian Courts to enter into a convention to protect their commerce
against the encroachments of the English. Gillray has drawn the
ill-favoured and mad sovereign, under the title '_Mens turpe, corpore
turpi_,' trampling on the treaty of alliance into which he had entered
in concert with Austria and England.
Some two months after the issue of this caricature the wayward tyranny
of the Emperor, who gave unmistakable evidence of mental aberration,
became insupportable, and he was requested to abdicate. Paul
obstinately clung to absolute power, but in spite of his precautions
a conspiracy was organised by his disgusted nobles, his palace was
entered, and he was strangled with his own military scarf, which, by
the way, the satirists always drew of extravagant dimencions well
suited for such a purpose.
It will be remembered that Paul's career was an unfortunate one, and
the vicissitudes of his youth may have disordered his faculties. On
his birth his father, Peter the Third, issued a ukase denying the
legitimacy of his son's paternity: on the publication of this statement
the Empress put her husband to death. Paul's earlier years were
harassed by trouble, and the last act of his mother was a fruitless
effort to exclude him from the succession. His reign commenced
auspiciously; acts of clemency and munificence distinguished his
government; as the head of the alliance against France he was looked
upon as the legitimate champion of monarchy. After sharing the defeats
sustained by the allied armies his views underwent a remarkable change.
Buonaparte, with his matchless discrimination, contrived to flatter the
Emperor's vanity, and, among other strokes of policy, returned all the
Russian prisoners, well-armed and newly-clad. Paul now entered into
a defensive alliance with France to drive the English out of India;
and, to destroy our maritime supremacy, he established the Northern
Confederation for the suppression of British commerce.
The caricature _Single Combat in Moorfields_ is founded on an
extraordinary proceeding, which filled Europe with astonishment at
its unequalled eccentricity. The Emperor published an advertisement
in the _Court Gazette_ of St. Petersburg, stating, to the amazement
of the world, that, as 'the Powers could not agree among themselves,
he intended to point out a spot, to which all the other sovereigns
were invited to repair, TO FIGHT IN SINGLE COMBAT, bringing with
them, as seconds and esquires, their most enlightened ministers and
ablest generals.' His subjects were continually annoyed by acts of
minor and fantastic oppression--such as an edict against 'round hats
and pantaloons,' which he forbade any person to wear in his empire.
He enforced the revival of hair-powder and pigtails, and issued a
proclamation to compel all persons whom he encountered in the street to
leave their carriages and prostrate themselves before him. No one was
safe from his paroxysms. The carriage of the British Ambassador passed
the Imperial Palace at a pace which the Emperor chose to consider
disrespectful; he immediately ordered the coachman to be beaten, the
horses to be beaten, and the carriage to be beaten. The Ambassador in
return resented these indignities by discharging his servants, ordering
his horses to be shot, and his carriage to be thrown into the Neva. An
insane autocrat was found to be a formidable calamity.
The favourable reception accorded to _Country Characters_, _Matrimonial
Comforts_, &c., induced Woodward to design further successions of
subjects, enlisting the assistance of Rowlandson to carry out his
ideas. In 1801, the year following, appeared a series of broadsides,
_Prayers_ and _Journals_; each sheet contained a coloured illustration,
designed by Woodward and etched by Rowlandson; the space below the
design was filled up with descriptive matter from Woodward's pen, that
worthy being given to the cultivation of the various Muses in turn.
The letterpress, which occupied the larger half of these broadsides,
was printed by E. Spragg, 27 Bow Street, Covent Garden; and the series
was published by R. Ackermann, 101 Strand. Our readers will be able to
form an impression of these compositions from the occasional extracts
we offer; these _Prayers_, _Journals_, &c., are not of sufficient
consequence to warrant us in offering repetitions at length.
_February 10, 1801._ _The Old Maid's Prayer._ (Addressed to Diana.)
Designed by Woodward. Published by T. Rowlandson.
_February 10, 1801._ _The Epicure's Prayer._ Designed by Woodward.
Published by T. Rowlandson.
1801. _The Maiden's Prayer._ Woodward del., Rowlandson sculp. Published
by R. Ackermann.--This petition is addressed to 'O thou divine
little Cupid,' while the fair votary, who is still a susceptible and
romantic boarding-school miss, is recounting her various love affairs,
and praying the rosy deity to bless and make fortunate her several
concealed (and imaginary) passions for such male creatures as she
has chanced to encounter in the daily routine of school-life, the
music-master, a drill-sergeant, Parson Pert, and similar characters,
who are probably regarded with similar emotion by the remainder of the
pupils.
1801. _The Miser's Prayer._ Woodward del., Rowlandson sculp. Published
by R. Ackermann.--The devotions of Old Avarice, which are necessarily
very profound and earnest, are offered appropriately at the feet of
his divinity, 'Plutus, God of Riches'; the temple of wealth is not
exteriorly sumptuous; the carpet is a rag; a strong-box, a broken
chair, and a rushlight make up the sordid furniture. The miser is
confessing that he possesses nine houses, estates in Essex, mortgages
in Hertford, large landed speculations in Russell Square and the
neighbourhood, reversions of estates, trading ventures, 'Mermaid'
sloop, funded property, Government securities, &c., &c.; he is
beseeching an increase of his means, success to his investments, and a
rise in the 'Stocks.'
_June 4, 1801._ _The Widow's Prayer._--A widow, still young and
blooming, is shown kneeling before the empty chair of the late
lamented partner of her joys; the bereaved lady is looking forward
to consolation; her supplications are offered to Hymen for a fourth
spouse, and she is praying, that should the new husband who is to
follow be as unfortunate as his predecessors, the number of happy men
may be extended to seven; or more if need be.
_June 25, 1801._ _The Maid of Allwork's Prayer._--The picture at the
head of this invocation represents a neat and pretty young housemaid;
she is offering up her petitions to the household gods who preside over
cleanliness and good management. The desires of her heart are that a
handsome fellow-servant may gain the humble worshipper and lead her
into the _frying-pan_ of matrimony. Let these but be her _wages_ and
she will submit cheerfully to her labours, nor ever breathe a sigh for
greater liberty than to _make her bed_ in peace and sleep contented.
_July 30, 1801._ _The Apothecary's Prayer_ is appropriately offered to
Esculapius, and is truly professional in spirit, since the aspirations
of the little knight of the pestle are turned to the increase of
fevers, catarrhs, gout, cramp, agues, and infirmities in general, for
the special advantage of his slack professional prospects and the good
of his generous ally the undertaker, who is in need of the apothecary's
friendly co-operation, the demand for funerals having fallen off of
late.
_July 30, 1801._ _The Quack Doctor's Prayer_ is addressed, over a chest
of patent quack medicines, to the illustrious shade of the renowned
Doctor Rock. The empiric candidly confesses that his miraculous
_Cure-all-able Vegetable Drops_, _Never Infailibus Infallibus_,
supposed to issue from the laboratory of Esculapius himself, are
nothing more than a decoction of beetroot, lump-sugar, spring-water,
cognac brandy, and Hollands gin. The Quack Doctor prays that his
carriages and equipages, his town and country residences, and all
other good things of life, may be continued to reward his impudent
charlatanism.
_August 1, 1801._ _The Stockjobber's Prayer_ is prayed by the pious
speculator, bank-book in hand, and is offered to the adorable and
ancient Lady of Threadneedle Street. The wishes of the stockjobber
refer to 'rises in the Funds' and 'undertakings in the _Alley_,' and
conclude with a pious hope that he may never have the misfortune to
'_waddle out_ a poor and neglected lame duck.'
_August 1, 1801._ _The Female Gambler's Prayer_ commences with an
invocation: 'Enchanting Pharaoh, thee I address with a heart teeming
with gratitude for all the favours showered on thy ardent worshipper.
Thy name, O mighty Pharaoh, is derived from the Hebrew, literally
to _make bare_, and well thou knowest I delight to make bare, even
to the last feather, the pigeon that flies to my midnight orgies.'
The petition concludes with an entreaty that the Right Honourable
Fraternity of Gamblers may be protected from the strictures of Lord
Kenyon (who had commenced a crusade against fashionable gamblers, and
had especially made attacks on those ladies of rank who encouraged
tables in their houses), and their persons preserved from all the dire
horrors of the stocks and pillory, with which this inflexible judge had
threatened the incorrigible, if any person could be found to bring them
within his jurisdiction.
_August 10, 1801._ _The Actress's Prayer._--'Hear me, Dramatic Sisters,
gay Thalia and sublime Melpomene; be guardians to your supplicant and
aid her in her profession.... I pray thee, should I ever reach the
boards of a London theatre, may my terms be as enormous as my abilities
are conspicuous, and finally my labours be crowned with the _coronet_
of honour, and that I may become a convert to domestic happiness.'
_August 10, 1801._ _The Jockey's Prayer_ is put up to Nimrod. The
aspirations of the hero of the turf tend to a wife--'a pretty well-bred
filly, one that would come easily to collar, prance to the Circus of
Hymen, and run with her owner the generous race of mutual affection.'
_September 5, 1801._ _The Cook's Prayer._--The fat mistress of the
spit has gone down on her knees before the roaring fire, beside which
are the preparations for dinner. Her prayer is addressed to all the
gods and goddesses whose celestial appetites are not too refined to
relish the good things of this world. She beseeches their influence to
continue her a twelvemonth longer in the service of Alderman Gobble,
and then, with the little perquisites she has hashed together, she may
be able to enter on a certain eating-house in Pye Corner, which she
has longed for these three years. She concludes by entreating that the
bosom of John the Coachman may be moved to become her partner in the
concern.
_September 12, 1801._ _The Sailor's Prayer._--'O mighty Neptune! hear
an honest British Tar; thou knowest I trouble not thy godship every
day, and I therefore pray thee to grant my prayer, for I love not long
palavering and that there, d'ye see ... Worthy Master Neptune! send us
a good prize, I beseech thee, and be not sparing in brandy and tobacco.
Give us also a few chests of the Don's dollars, for Mounseer hasn't got
none--no more than there is in your three-pronged boat-hook.'
_September 20, 1801._ _The Publican's Prayer._--'Holy Silenus, father
of all-inspiring Bacchus, continue, I beseech you, the custom of the
original Golden Lion, and inspire me, its landlord, with becoming
gratitude for all thy favours. Grant me success, I pray thee, with the
rich widow of the adjoining street, whom thou knowest I adore; send
that she may frequently look into the bar, till in time she becomes
its fixed ornament. Grant but this addition to my stock in trade, and
I have nothing to ask thee for but plenty of smuggled spirits and
protection from the exciseman.'
_September 20, 1801._ _Poll of Portsmouth's Prayer_ is addressed
to Thetis. The supplications of this damsel, who is gaily attired
in bright colours, and ornamented with numerous coral necklaces,
bracelets, watches, seals, lockets, and trinkets, gifts from tars at
sea, are directed to prayers for the safe and speedy return of her
numerous generous admirers, then on board their ships.
1801. _The Lottery Office Keeper's Prayer._--This invocation is offered
by a prosperous-looking individual to Dame Fortune, whose portrait
forms the signboard of his establishment, 'Peter Puff's Lucky Lottery
Office.' He prays the blindfold goddess to grant insurance to his
schemes, so that they may turn up prizes, and prevent his looking
blank when bowing at the altar of his divinity. 'And lastly, I pray
thee, with the indulgent aid of mighty superiferous Somnus, to cause
all old women and children to dream incessantly on the advantages
gained by venturing in the lottery; so shall the nocturnal visions of
old chairs and tables be converted into lucky numbers, and thy humble
petitioner benefited thereby.'
_March 18, 1801._ _The Union Head-dress._ Published by R.
Ackermann, 101 Strand.--A pair of busts, the fancy portraits of two
highly-caricatured individuals, whose faces wear a most dejected
expression, from whose respective foreheads branch a pair of
well-defined horns.--'This style of decoration represents "The Union
Head-dress," successively worn by many respectable citizens since the
days of Noah; for its simplicity and elegance it cannot be too much
admired. Respectfully dedicated to the fashion-mongers of 1801.' The
satire of this print, which appears somewhat coarse and uncalled-for,
is levelled at the fashion, which raged contemporaneously with its
publication, for embodying in the reigning mode any event which
happened to be stirring, no matter its frivolity or gravity, as the
case might be. The accomplishment of the union between England and
Ireland was seized by the milliners and fashion-mongers as the excuse
for a thousand extravagances in head-dresses, combining supposititious
emblems of the twin kingdoms with allusions to their happy conjunction.
_April 2, 1801._ No. 1, _Taste_. Woodward del., Rowlandson sculp.
Published by R. Ackermann.
_April 2, 1801._ No. 2, _Fashion_. Woodward del., Rowlandson sculp.
Published by R. Ackermann.
_April 2, 1801._ No. 3, _Elegance_. Woodward del., Rowlandson sculp.
Published by R. Ackermann.
_April 2, 1801._ No. 4, _Fancy_. Woodward del., Rowlandson sculp.
Published by R. Ackermann.
_May 1, 1801._ _Boot-Polishing._ G. M. Woodward del., Rowlandson sculp.
Published by R. Ackermann.
_July 12, 1801._ _Light Summer Hat and Fashionable Walking-stick._
Published by R. Ackermann.
_July 20, 1801._ _The Toper's Mistake._ G. M. Woodward inv. Published
by R. Ackermann.
1801. _Rag Fair._ Published by R. Ackermann.
_September, 1801._ _An Old Member on his way to the House of Commons._
T. Rowlandson del. Published by R. Ackermann.--The old Member and his
dog are passing, on their way to the Houses of Parliament, through
Lisle Street, evidently a spot of some temptation to the personage who
forms the subject of the caricature, an eccentric celebrity, without
doubt, at the time of the publication. The establishment of Mrs. Woods
is evidently the rock a-head which threatens the venerable senator;
Mrs. Woods, the lady abbess, is, with one of her decoying nymphs,
standing at the door of her mansion; two more syrens are beckoning the
passer-by from a window, and various houris appear above, all issuing
their invitations to the M.P., an individual of consideration. The
amorous character of the vicinity is indicated by the circumstances
surrounding a coach, which is driving by. The coachman has a pretty
girl on his box, and while he is publicly saluting her cheek, his fare,
an officer, is kissing a fair companion in the vehicle, and two street
Arabs, a boy and a girl, are stealing a ride on the back, and they too
are indulging in a loving embrace, disregarding the insecurity of their
situation.
1801. Four subjects on a sheet.--_Here's your potatoes, four full
pounds for two pence!_ _Light, your Honour, Coach unhired._ _Buy my
roses, dainty sweet briar!_ _Pray remember the blind._ Designed and
executed by T. Rowlandson. Republished 1811.
_September 12, 1801._ _A Sailor Mistaken._ G. M. Woodward. Published by
R. Ackermann.
_December 20, 1801._ _Gig-hauling, or Gentlemanly Amusement for the
Nineteenth Century._ G. M. Woodward inv. Published by R. Ackermann.
1802.
_February 25, 1802._ _Friendly Accommodation._ Woodward inv.,
Rowlandson sculp. Published by R. Ackermann.
_March 1, 1802._ _The Monstrous Craws, or a New-Discovered Animal._
Published by R. Ackermann.